DCPS: Attorneys’ Fees for Access to Special Education Opportunities (GAO-02-559R)

May, 2002 DCPS: Attorneys' Fees for Access to Special Education Opportunities (GAO-02-559R) The District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) has been unable to meet the obligation to its special education students under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). By 1998, DCPS was experiencing serious problems in conducting timely hearings requested by parents under IDEA and in issuing final decisions within the required timelines. This resulted in many parental complaints and legal suits to obtain access to the educational opportunities called for under the act. The amount of attorneys' fees awarded to parties who prevailed in the IDEA . . .